Abandoned fossil fuel extraction facilities worldwide, such as coal mines, oil rigs, and natural gas wells, release significant amounts of methane, one of the greenhouse gases driving climate change, according to the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) annual methane report.
It is estimated that at least 8 million such facilities scattered around the globe emit more methane collectively than all countries, except China, the U.S., and Russia.
Methane traps 80 times more heat in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide, yet its emissions (e.g., from agriculture) are on the rise.
Reducing methane emissions is one of the most crucial issues in tackling climate change, as it traps 80 times more heat in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide. Rapid reductions in these emissions could help temporarily halt or even slow the rise in temperatures. However, emissions from mining and agricultural activities continue to increase.
The “clean-up” of these facilities is estimated to cost around $100 billion, but researchers consider it nearly impossible to secure the necessary funds or for such initiatives to be undertaken by the governments of countries that emit large amounts of methane. Both Russia and the U.S. under Donald Trump have largely withdrawn from climate action.
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